In 2019, over a quarter of adults aged 18 and older reported binge drinking within the past month. If you’re concerned about your own drinking or that of someone close to you, it may help to understand the common factors that contribute to alcoholism.
Here are the five most common causes:
1. Environment
Living in a stressful environment can play a major role in how much someone drinks. For instance, high-pressure jobs, like those in healthcare, can lead individuals to turn to alcohol as a way to cope with ongoing stress. Similarly, other challenging life circumstances can push people toward heavier drinking habits.
2. Family History
Alcoholism often runs in families. If a parent or close relative has struggled with alcohol use disorder, it increases the likelihood of others in the family developing similar habits. This influence can come from either genetic predispositions or growing up in an environment where heavy drinking was normalized.
3. Starting Young
Those who begin drinking at an early age are more likely to develop alcohol dependence later in life. For example, teens and college students who binge drink during their younger years may unknowingly be setting the stage for long-term issues. Starting young also raises the risk of severe health challenges down the road. While people of any age can misuse alcohol, the earlier it starts, the greater the chances of addiction.
4. Mental Health Disorders
Alcohol is sometimes used as a way to handle mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, PTSD, or schizophrenia. Though drinking may provide temporary relief, it tends to make the underlying mental health symptoms worse over time. This unhealthy coping mechanism can quickly lead to dependence.
5. Mixing Alcohol with Medications
Combining alcohol with prescription medications is another potential cause of addiction. This mix can heighten the effects of both the alcohol and the medication, leading not only to dependence but also to significant health risks. Common side effects include heart issues, dizziness, nausea, and mental health changes.
Understanding and Seeking Help
By identifying these causes, you can better evaluate whether you or someone you care about might have a drinking problem. If it seems necessary, don’t hesitate to seek professional help for yourself or a loved one. Recognizing the issue is the first step toward making positive changes.
